Chapter 6: The Poisoned Tea**
The following morning, Victoria entered Julian’s sunroom unannounced, carrying a silver tray with two steaming porcelain cups.
"Good morning, cousin," Victoria sang with synthetic sweetness. "Father thought you looked pale at dinner. I brought you Dr. Keller's special calming blend."
Clara stood beside Julian’s chair, her instincts screaming. She knew Dr. Keller was on Raymond’s payroll; this tea was laced with the higher dose Raymond had ordered the night before.
"Thank you, Victoria," Julian said, raising a trembling hand toward the teacup to maintain his facade.
Before his fingers could touch the porcelain, Clara purposefully stepped forward, tripping over the hem of her lace skirt. She crashed into the small table, sending the tea service shattering across the Persian rug. The hot liquid hissed as it soaked the fabric.
"Clara! You clumsy idiot!" Victoria shrieked, jumping back to protect her designer shoes.
"I am so terribly sorry!" Clara feigned tears, dropping to her knees to clean the mess with napkins. "My foot caught the rug—I am so clumsy, Miss Vance!"
Victoria scoffed in disgust. "Useless. I’ll have the butler bring another cup."
As soon as Victoria stormed out, Clara looked up. Julian was staring at her, his eyes blazing with admiration and fierce protectiveness.
"You played with fire," Julian murmured, reaching down to help her up.
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"Better a broken cup than a broken heart," Clara whispered before she could stop herself. Julian froze, his gaze locking onto hers with an unspoken, electric intensity.
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